"Between the state's rules and our own county code, it's very confusing. It's like sorting through a book. The rules are scattered all over the place," said Steve Dorsch, water conservation coordinator for Athens-Clarke County.

And recently the Athens-Clarke's water utility upped the ante for violators. A second offense now carries a $400 surcharge on the bill - due by the regular payment date.

Those who are caught sometimes claim ignorance because they were told something that wasn't necessarily right.

"People are getting their information from a lot of different sources," Dorsch said.

"If you're an Athens resident getting your news from an Atlanta TV station, you'll see 20 different restrictions for other counties and not know if those apply to the county you're living in. That's been a big problem for us."

Water authority officials in surrounding counties also must double-check the rules before giving any definitive answers.

"We've had to adjust this so many times," said Chris Thomas, assistant director of utilities for Oconee County.

"I want to be careful I know what I'm saying. It's hard for even us to keep up, so we always have to pause first so we know we're giving out the right information," Thomas said.

Most local counties, except Madison County, are following the strictest outdoor watering rules short of an all-out ban.

The restrictions apply only to people who get water from a city or county system. Well-users need not follow the rules set by the state Environmental Protection Division.

But Jackson County officials are asking residents with private wells not to water outside - but they also add it's not a requirement.

"We still recommend you follow the restrictions if you have a well because a lot of customers are going to call and ask why other people are being allowed to water their lawns, without knowing it's coming from a well. We also have to send people out and verify they're using a well," said Eric Klerk, Jackson County Water Authority manager.

Residents of the four counties also may water from private ponds or lakes.

"They can drain their ponds and lakes dry if they want. The restrictions apply only to users of the municipal water supply," Dorsch said.

Residents also may take a limited amount of water from streams or rivers near their home, according to Jamie Lewis, spokesman for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division's Clarke County Office.

The rules allow businesses such as commercial car washes and other businesses to continue to use water, but apartment complexes that offer wash-your-own-car service are off limits - those residents aren't washing cars for a commercial purpose, Dorsch said.

Even charities with planned car washes aren't exempt.

Athens-Clarke, Oconee, Madison and Jackson counties won't even allow residents to wash their dogs outside - but Barrow County officials are willing to make an exception.